Work Text:
BLUE
I think you know. I think everybody knows. Evie told me there are only two options: I could either be honest with you or I could continue to suppress my feelings for you. She said the truth has a way of exposing itself. But how do I tell my boss that I’m in love with her without getting fired? You intimidate me not only because you’re a strict boss. You intimidate me because my heart doesn’t know what to do with all these feelings that I have for you. I was working hard to earn your praise and validation because I wanted to join the team. But little did I know I was also trying to earn your love. I wanted you to see me as more than just your forensic scientist. When I was nine, I asked my mum what being in love feels like. She said being in love feels like flying – it’s freeing yet scary at the same time. I did not understand what she meant until I met you. I guess the heart knows when it knows because I’ve never been this overjoyed and terrified in my entire life.
MACKEY
I know. And the whole team definitely knows. Subtlety isn’t one of your strengths. Your actions were practically screaming that you actually have feelings for me. JD asked how long I have known. I told him since before you officially became a part of the team. He looked at me in disbelief. I told him that you deserve to join the team because you’re a brilliant forensic scientist and that was all that mattered. JD said that I should pursue it if the feeling was mutual. He emphasized that I deserve to be happy and joked that it wouldn’t be the first time I broke a rule. I chuckled. But the truth is I’m not concerned about HR. I’m worried that I’m unable to love you the way you deserve to be loved because I don’t know how to. I’ve avoided romantic relationships my entire life because it was easier to suppress my feelings than to explore a life with someone else. As cliché as it sounds, my life finally makes sense now that you’re in it. But Blue, your heart is pure, and your love is kind. And the last thing I’d want to do is to fail you.
Everyone had left the office except for Blue and I. I turned around and glanced at her imperceptibly or so I thought. She caught my eye and smiled at me. I smiled back at her and turned to face my computer screen. Why was my heart fluttering like I was nine again? She had already tidied up her lab and was packing up her things, ready to head home. I had just sent in my report and was shutting down my computer when she appeared behind me.
“Boss, are you staying late again?”
I turned to her and replied, “I’m done for tonight. Going off now actually.”
I tidied up my table and made sure the switches were turned off before grabbing my bag from my drawer. As I was ready to leave, I turned to her who was already staring at me with those big hazel eyes. I hadn’t noticed how mesmerizing her eyes were before tonight. The Blue standing in front of me was noticeably calm in my presence, which was a huge progress for her considering how intimidated she was of me when we first started working together. I caught myself staring in her eyes and had to snap out of it. “Do you have plans tonight? If you don’t, would you like to grab dinner together?”
Her eyes widened. “Just the two of us?”
I pointed to the empty chairs and teased, “Do you see anyone else here, Blue?”
She smiled sheepishly. Her eyes twinkled as she blurted out, “Yes of course. I’d love to. Yes. Yes. Where would you like to go? I have recommendations. I know places, obviously. Because I’m local. I mean, oh crap I didn’t mean to assume you don’t know your way around Sydney. Of course you do, you’re smart and very much capable of –”
“Blue.”
“I’m doing it again aren’t I? I’m sorry.”
“Blue, you don’t have to apologize. I’d love to try out your recommendations. Obviously not all in one night. And I think it’s time we address the elephant in the room.”
She went from looking sheepish to horrified in an instance. Fully aware that there were cameras in the office, I stopped myself from grabbing her hand. Instead, I closed the distance between us and said, “Blue, breathe. You’re not in trouble but we should definitely talk about it.”
Still in disbelief, Blue asked, “You knew all along?”
“Well, I wouldn’t be a naval investigator if I suck at reading people, right?” I winked at her and made my way to the door. Realizing she was still at the same spot after I opened the door, I asked, “Are you coming? I’m starving and I can’t wait to try out whatever we’re having tonight.”
Colors returned to her face and there was a spring in her step as she approached me. Tonight’s conversation could go awfully wrong or memorably fulfilling.